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Simple & Pragmatic Problem Solving
#102Chapter 8: Modern Problem-Solving Techniques• Modern Problem Solving TechniquesHuman-Centered Iterative ThinkingIndividual and group (multidisciplinary) Mode1-4 Weeks (Iterative sprints)(Time-consuming (days to weeks))

Design Thinking

From the book "Advanced Problem-Solving Toolbox: 115 Creative Plays" | Compiled & Edited by: Mojtaba Goudarzi, Open translation: Mehrshid Goudarzi
Executive Synopsis & Core Logic:

Renowned methodology Stanford & Co. IDEO to creatively solve complex problems; 5 fundamental steps of empathy, problem definition, ideation, rapid prototyping and testing with a focus on deep understanding of humans.

Operational Parameters & Specifications

Category
Modern Problem Solving Techniques
Dominant Thinking
Human-Centered Iterative
Participation
Individual and group (multidisciplinary)
Estimated TimeTime-consuming (days to weeks)
1-4 Weeks (Iterative sprints)
Workshop
Input Format
Hidden needs of users, field observations, in-depth interviews, early prototypes
Output Format
Validated innovative products, services and experiences
Key Application
Design of digital applications and services, innovation in patient experience and medical services, design of new generation consumer products and transformation of business models.
Core Differentiator:

Radical human-centricity and rapid cycle of physical/digital prototyping (Fail Early, Fail Cheap) to touch real feedback instead of boardroom guesswork.

Quick Field Example:

Instead of engineering assumptions, a team interviews 10 seniors, builds a cardboard smart pill box, tests it, and then launches an audio app to help seniors manage their medications.

Operational Benefits & Implementation Risks

Advantages & Value Creation:

Zeroing the risk of product failure in the market, discovering the unspoken and emotional needs of customers, creating empathy and great motivation in the team.

Risks & Potential Trade-offs:

Requiring time and leaving the office environment for field observation, the possibility of ambiguity and confusion in the early stages for linear teams.

Real-World Organizational & Industry Scenarios

Health and pharmaceutical industry: Designing medication reminder tools for Alzheimer's patients based on deep empathy.
Banking and financial services: redesigning physical bank branches based on the anxieties and behavioral patterns of the new generation.
Modern Education: Designing Collaborative Instructional Packages Based on Direct Observations of Classrooms.

Strategic Rationale & Why to Apply

1Great products are born from empathy: Most innovations fail because they solve something that isn't people's real pain.
2A picture is worth a thousand words, a mockup is a thousand pictures: quickly building a cardboard or paper wireframe prototype will nip misunderstandings in the bud.
3Low-cost iteration cycle: learning from failure on the third day of the project is thousands of times cheaper than failure after launch.
4Breaking down island walls: psychologist, designer, coder and marketing manager all sit side by side next to the real user.

Conceptual Framework & Book Method Description

"Design Thinking" is the flagship of innovation of the 21st century, which was perfected at Hasso Platner Design Institute (d.school) Stanford and IDEO company. This framework considers the problem as a human phenomenon and proceeds through 5 non-linear phases: 1. Empathize: living with users and hearing their pains, 2. Defining the problem (Define: formulation of human insight), 3. Ideation (Ideate: raining solutions without judgment), 4. Prototype: making cheap and fast mockups, 5. Testing (Test: taking the sample to the user and receiving feedback).

Step-by-Step Real-World Implementation Scenario

Designing an intelligent medication management system for the elderly with the design thinking method
1
Step 1: Empathy phase (interview at the nursing home)The project team spent a week in nursing homes and realized that the main line is not forgetting the clock, but the illegibility of the fine lines on the glass and hand tremors when opening the can lid.
2
Step 2: Redefining the Problem StatementA vision statement was developed: 'The elderly need a stress-free way to access accurate medication doses without the need for glasses or hand pressure'.
3
Step 3: Divergent ideationBrainstorming ideas include: talking voice assistant, color push packaging, audio barcode bar and automatic SMS system to children.
4
Step 4: Making Inexpensive PrototypesWith cardboard and small LED lights, the team built a replica pill box that would light up when the door of the corresponding house was opened.
5
Step 5: Field test and feedback cycleThe replicas were tested in the hands of 12 elderly people; Necessary corrections were applied to the loudness of the bell and the final product achieved a 96% success rate in drug adherence.

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Force-Field Analysis
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Systems Thinking
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